Few foods scream comfort and celebration quite like Cheesy Hot Italian Sliders. These irresistible baked sliders are loaded with spicy Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and buttery toasted buns brushed with garlic herb butter. They’re the kind of dish that disappears from the table in minutes—whether you’re hosting game night, planning a family gathering, or just craving something warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

If you’ve been searching for the best hot Italian sliders recipe, this one checks every box. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, perfect for sharing, and completely customizable. Plus, it bakes up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights and last-minute entertaining.

Let’s dive into why these baked Italian sliders with mozzarella and sausage deserve a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Hot Italian Sliders

There are a lot of slider recipes out there—but this one stands out for a few key reasons:

• Big Italian flavors – Spicy sausage, marinara, mozzarella, and herbs bring classic Italian comfort to every bite.
• Perfectly melty – The cheese melts into every crevice for maximum gooeyness.
• Great for a crowd – These are made in a baking dish, so you can serve 12 at once.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead, bake when ready.
• Versatile – Easy to adapt with chicken, pepperoni, or veggies.

These are the kind of sliders people ask for again and again.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hot Italian Sliders

Use quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

12 slider buns (Hawaiian or soft dinner rolls)
1 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Olive oil (for cooking sausage)

Instructions: How to Make Hot Italian Sliders

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the sausage: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Prepare buns: Slice slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place bottom halves in the baking dish.
Layer flavors: Spread marinara evenly over the buns. Add cooked sausage, then sprinkle mozzarella generously on top. Finish with Parmesan.
Add top buns: Place top halves of buns over the cheese.
Make garlic butter: Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Brush generously: Brush garlic butter over the tops of the buns.
Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until tops are golden and cheese is bubbly.
Rest & serve: Let cool 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Sliders Every Time

• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt.
• Toast lightly uncovered at the end for crispy tops.
• Let them rest briefly so the cheese sets just enough to slice cleanly.
• Don’t skip the garlic butter—it’s where the magic happens.

Variations to Try

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders – Add sliced pepperoni over the sausage.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders – Swap sausage for breaded chicken cutlets.
Veggie Italian Sliders – Use sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
Extra Cheesy Sliders – Add provolone + mozzarella blend.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with:

• Caesar salad
• Garlic fries
• Antipasto skewers
• Roasted vegetables
• Tomato basil soup

They also pair beautifully with sparkling water, iced tea, or red wine.

Fun Food Fact: Why Sliders Are So Popular

Sliders became popular in the U.S. thanks to their shareability and party-friendly size. They’re perfect for sampling multiple flavors and ideal for social eating—no plates or forks required.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake fresh.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Hot Italian Sliders are everything comfort food should be—warm, melty, bold, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just feeding hungry family members, this recipe delivers flavor, ease, and guaranteed smiles.

Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to for every party, potluck, and game day.